[nralover]

What is everyone's idea of the correct weight rod for smallmouth on smaller rivers and streams? Most places I fish hold bronzebacks no larger than 15-16 inches...

[Joe D]

Anything from a five to a seven weight depending on how big and/or heavy the flies you throw are.

[MrEsox]

5 and up will work great. If you got nothing but small fish the 5 will work, but if you have a chance of hitting a bigger fish I'd go up to a 8wt. The 8 will allow better casting with bigger streamers and much better hook sets.

[Jakeway]

When bass fishing in lakes I use a 9 ft Orvis Rocky Mountain in 7 weight. For small stream fishing for the size smallies you're talking about, I use an 8 ft White River Hobbs Creek 6 weight . The Hobbs Creek is a relatively cheap rod ($80) but its action is fine for the short distance casts in small water.

Remember, the weight of the rod and line has less to do with the size of the fish than it does with the size and wind-resistance of the flies you're throwing. For smallies in small streams you'll be throwing a lot of weghted wooly buggers, clousers, crawfish patterns, and large nymphs like stoneflies, hellgramites, etc. A good 5 weight or even a 4 would do in a pinch.

[GRN]

For Bass I use my 790 SP, just enough flex to keep nice feel, just enough nuts to throw just about anything out there. I was just nominated to be the crash test dummy for one of the new Sage Bass rods... I'm going to take the 'small mouth' (=7wt ish) for fresh water small and largemouth pursuit; and Jon is going to take the 'large mouth' (8/9 wt ish) to the salt and see how it does with stripers. We don't get into to much top (fresh) water action here 'til June, I'll write up something after I have a few miles on it, and share what Jon finds on the cast as well.

TL's~

[singingdog]

5 to 8 depending on the flys you want to throw with it, and how much backbone you need to turn them out of cover. For most small-stream apps, I would take a 5 or 6 wt. Line is going to be at least as important as the rod. Having two reels, one with a weight forward line, the other with a good DT line, will give you as much adaptability as carrying a 5 and a 7 everywhere you go.